Intracranial Arterial Disease Research Articles

Common and distinct risk profiles of asymptomatic extra- and intracranial atherosclerosis in the Nagahama cohort

Background and PurposeAtherosclerotic burden increases the risk of both extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS) and intracranial large artery disease (ICAD). However, the differences in risk profiles have not been thoroughly investigated. MethodsParticipants were recruited from the Nagahama study cohort in Japan. Individuals over 60 years old who underwent 1.5-T head and neck magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) between July 2013 and February 2017 were included. ICAD was defined as WASID ≥ 50%, and ICS was defined as NSCET ≥ 30%. The prevalence and association of risk factors, including proatherogenic and proinflammatory factors, and the p.R4810K variant in the RNF213 gene, were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. ResultsA total of 3089 individuals participated in the study, with a mean age of 68.1 ± 5.3 years, and 36.0% were males. Among them, 52 (1.7%) had ICS, 119 (3.8%) had ICAD, and 15 (0.49%) had both conditions. Alopecia areata was an independent predictor for both ICS (Odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-8.3) and ICAD (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.0-3.9). Diabetes (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.0-7.0) and older age (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2-4.5) were associated only with ICS, while the RNF213 variant was associated with only ICAD (OR 5.7; 95% CI 1.6-16.0). ICS and ICAD were also independently associated with each other. ConclusionsIn this MRA-based large scale study, alopecia areata, known as a systemic inflammatory disease, was shown to be a common risk factor for ICS and ICAD. While conventional atherosclerotic factors were associated with ICS, non-atherosclerotic factors appear to contribute to ICAD in Japan.

Radiomics Studies on Ischemic Stroke and Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease: A Reporting Quality Assessment.

Objective: To assess the reporting quality of radiomics studies on ischemic stroke, intracranial and carotid atherosclerotic disease using the Image Biomarker Standardization Initiative (IBSI) reporting guidelines with the aim of finding avenues of improvement for future publications. Method: PubMed database was searched to identify relevant radiomics studies. Of 560 articles, 41 original research articles were included in this analysis. Based on IBSI radiomics reporting guidelines, checklists for CT-based and MRI-based studies were created to allow a structured and comprehensive evaluation of each study's adherence to these guidelines. Results: The main topics covered by the included radiomics studies were ischemic stroke, intracranial artery disease, and carotid atherosclerotic disease. The reporting checklist median score was 17/40 for the 20 CT-based radiomics studies and 22.5/50 for the 20 MRI-based studies. Basic items like imaging modality, region of interest, and image biomarker set utilized were included in all studies. However, details regarding image acquisition and reconstruction, post-acquisition image processing, and image biomarkers computation were inconsistently detailed across studies. Conclusion: The overall reporting quality of the included radiomics studies was suboptimal. These findings underscore a pressing need for improved reporting practices in radiomics research, to ensure validation and reproducibility of results. Our study provides insights into current reporting standards and highlights specific areas where adherence to IBSI guidelines could be significantly improved.

Imaging of intracranial arterial disease: a comparison between MRI and unenhanced CT.

Arterial calcifications on unenhanced CT scans and vessel wall lesions on MRI are often used interchangeably to portray intracranial arterial disease. However, the extent of pathology depicted with each technique is unclear. We investigated the presence and distribution of these two imaging findings in patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease. We analyzed CT and MRI data from 78 patients admitted for stroke or TIA at our institution. Vessel wall lesions were assessed on 7 T MRI sequences, while arterial calcifications were assessed on CT scans. The number of vessel wall lesions, severity of intracranial internal carotid artery (iICA) calcifications, and overall presence and distribution of the two imaging findings were visually assessed in the intracranial arteries. At least one vessel wall lesion or arterial calcification was assessed in 69 (88%) patients. Only the iICA and vertebral arteries (VA) showed a substantial number of both calcifications and vessel wall lesions. The other vessels showed almost exclusively vessel wall lesions. The number of vessel wall lesions was associated with the severity of iICA calcification (p = 0.013). The number of vessel wall lesions increases with the severity of iICA calcifications. Nonetheless, the distribution of vessel wall lesions on MRI and arterial calcifications on CT shows remarkable differences. These findings support the need for a combined approach to examine intracranial arterial disease.

Abstract 38: Temporal Changes in Intracranial Arterial Diseases: A Longitudinal High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging Analysis

Introduction: Temporal changes of intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) in patients with ischemic stroke in high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) have not been elucidated. Methods: We recruited consecutive ICAD-related ischemic stroke patients admitted between June 2016 and June 2019 and had subsequent HR-VWI follow-ups. On HR-VWI, we manually segmented the lumen area (LA), total vessel area (TVA), and enhancing area (EA) of the culprit lesion's most stenotic part in the perpendicular section on T1-weighted, proton density, and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences. We defined the area stenosis as [1-LA/TVA]х100 (%) and the enhancing proportion as EA/TVAх100 (%). Enhancement ratio of the enhancing lesion was also quantified. Three raters independently quantified the imaging using ITK-SNAP with acceptable inter-rater reliability. Results: A total of 208 patients (age 57±14, male 58%) with 469 HR-VWIs (2-6 scans per patient) were included. The causes of ICAD were atherosclerosis (69%), dissection (24%), vasculitis (3%), moyamoya disease (1%), and other causes (2%). The median follow-up duration was 9.0 months (interquartile range: 3.9-13.2 months), and the maximum follow-up duration was 41.3 months. Among patients with atherosclerosis, area stenosis aggravated, stable, and improved in 7%, 77%, and 16%, respectively, with an overall rate of 0.23 ± 0.07% improvement per month. Among patients with dissection, area stenosis aggravated, stable, and improved in 2%, 49%, and 49%, respectively, with an overall rate of 2.11 ± 0.26% improvement per month (Figure, P -for-difference < 0.01). The temporal changes of the enhancing proportion and enhancement ratio were different between atherosclerosis and dissection (Figure, P < 0.01). Conclusions: ICAD lesions had dynamic changes over time; the temporal changes of atherosclerosis and dissection are distinct. Serial HR-VWI can offer insights for a more accurate diagnosis of the underlying pathologies of ICADs.

Abstract WP258: Younger Patients Have a Higher Likelihood of Recurrent Vessel Small Subcortical Infarct: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the SPS3 Trial

Introduction: Recurrent ischemic stroke due to intracranial large artery disease occurs in up to 20% of patients and is associated with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors. However less is known of recurrent vessel small subcortical infarcts (rvSSI), which may be related to branch atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical risk factors associated with rvSSI. Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) dataset which enrolled participants between 2003 and 2007. All participants were ≥ 30 years old and had a SSI index event within the preceding 6 months of randomization, confirmed by MRI with a maximal diameter on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) of ≤ 20 mm, and were without competing stroke mechanism (e.g. ipsilateral carotid stenosis ≥ 50%). Participants were followed over a mean duration of 4 years post-enrollment during which stroke recurrence was noted and characterized. rvSSI was defined as recurrent SSI within the same vascular distribution as an index enrolling infarct confirmed by brain MRI. Chi-squared and student’s T test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Adjusted logistic regression models were formed to calculate odds ratio. Statistical significance was ≤ 0.05. Results: Of the 3020 participants enrolled in SPS3, 1245 participants met inclusion criteria with 15 having a rvSSI (mean time post-enrollment: 427 days). Participants with rvSSI were younger (54.5 ± 10.2 years vs 61.2 ± 10.6 years, p = 0.008) and had enrollment diagnoses of obesity [BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; 80% (12/15) vs 49% (598/1230), p = 0.016] and hyperlipidemia [87% (13/15) vs 58% (713/1230), p = 0.025]. Sex, former/current tobacco use, and known diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes mellitus did not differ. For every advancing decade of life, the likelihood of developing a rvSSI was 0.46 (95%CI 0.26 - 0.82, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Participants of the SPS3 trial who were younger in age had rvSSI more frequently with the likelihood decreasing by roughly half with advancing decade of life.

Emerging Concept of Intracranial Arterial Diseases: The Role of High Resolution Vessel Wall MRI.

Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by distinct pathologies, including atherosclerosis. Advances in magnetic resonance technology have enabled the visualization of intracranial arteries using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI). This review summarizes the anatomical, embryological, and histological differences between the intracranial and extracranial arteries. Next, we review the heterogeneous pathophysiology of ICAD, including atherosclerosis, moyamoya or RNF213 spectrum disease, intracranial dissection, and vasculitis. We also discuss how advances in HR-VWI can be used to differentiate ICAD etiologies. We emphasize that one should consider clinical presentation and timing of imaging in the absence of pathology-radiology correlation data. Future research should focus on understanding the temporal profile of HR-VWI findings and developing quantitative interpretative approaches to improve the decision-making and management of ICAD.

Consideration of intracranial venous thrombosis in cerebrovascular disease: a case study emphasizing diagnosis and treatment awareness

When discussing cerebrovascular diseases, we will undoubtedly think of intracranial arterial system diseases, such as cerebral infarction and cerebral embolism. It is easy to ignore intracranial venous system diseases. By describing the diagnosis and treatment of a case of intracranial venous thrombosis, we emphasize the need for physicians to consider the formation of intracranial venous thrombosis and the formation of arterial thrombosis in diagnosing cerebrovascular diseases.

Time-of-flight and black-blood MRI to study intracranial arteries in rats

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are usually incidentally discovered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Once discovered, the risk associated with their treatment must be balanced with the risk of an unexpected rupture. Although clinical observations suggest that the detection of contrast agent in the aneurysm wall using a double-inversion recovery black-blood (BB) sequence may point to IA wall instability, the exact meaning of this observation is not understood. Validation of reliable diagnostic markers of IA (in)stability is of utmost importance to deciding whether to treat or not an IA. To longitudinally investigate IA progression and enhance our understanding of this devastating disease, animal models are of great help. The aim of our study was to improve a three-dimensional (3D)-time-of-flight (TOF) sequence and to develop a BB sequence on a standard preclinical 3-T MRI unit to investigate intracranial arterial diseases in rats. We showed that our 3D-TOF sequence allows reliable measurements of intracranial artery diameters, inter-artery distances, and angles between arteries and that our BB sequence enables us to visualize intracranial arteries. We report the first BB-MRI sequence to visualize intracranial arteries in rats using a preclinical 3-T MRI unit. This sequence could be useful for a large community of researchers working on intracranial arterial diseases.Relevance statement We developed a black-blood MRI sequence to study vessel wall enhancement in rats with possible application to understanding IAs instability and finding reliable markers for clinical decision-making.Key points• Reliable markers of aneurysm stability are needed for clinical decision.• Detection of contrast enhancement in the aneurysm wall may be associated with instability.• We developed a black-blood MRI sequence in rats to be used to study vessel wall enhancement of IAs.Graphical

Need for Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging Protocols and Quantitative Assessment of Wall Enhancement for Vessel Wall Imaging in Various Intracranial Arterial Diseases.

Need for Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging Protocols and Quantitative Assessment of Wall Enhancement for Vessel Wall Imaging in Various Intracranial Arterial Diseases.

Endovascular Treatment in Precommunicating Segment Aneurysms of Posterior Cerebral Artery

Pre-communicating (P1) segment aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) are rare, with few studies reported to date. Herein, we address the clinical and radiologic outcomes of their endovascular treatment. For this study, we retrieved prospectively collected data on 35 consecutive patients with 37 P1 aneurysms, analyzing the clinical ramifications and morphologic outcomes of treatment. All subjects received endovascular interventions between January 2001 and October 2021. There were 16 aneurysms (43.2%) of P1 segment sidewalls and 21 (56.8%) at P1/posterior communicating artery (PCoA) junctions. Five (13.5%) were fusiform, and 14 (37.8%) were ruptured. In 14 patients (40%), 16 aneurysms (43%) were associated with intracranial arterial occlusive disease of the anterior circulation. Selective coiling was undertaken in 34 aneurysms (91.9%), using single (n=24) or double (n=4) microcatheters, microcatheter protection (n=2), or stents (n=4); and trapping was done in 3 (8.1%). No procedure-related morbidity or mortality resulted. Excluding the trapped lesions, angiographic follow-up of 29 aneurysms obtained >6 months after embolization (mean, 12.4 month) revealed stable occlusion in 21 (72.4%), with some recanalization in the other 8 (minor: 3/29, 10.4%; major: 5/29, 17.2%). Aneurysms of P1 segment (vs other locations) are strongly associated with intracranial arterial occlusive disease of the anterior circulation and thus are likely flow related. Endovascular treatment of such lesions seems safe and efficacious, despite the array of technical strategies that their distinctive anatomic configurations impose.

Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Various Techniques of Intracranial-to-Intracranial Bypass for Complex Cases with a Review of Pertinent Literature and Illustrated Cases

Determine the utility of intracranial-to-intracranial bypass (IIB) surgery for complex cases and bypass options. Eighteen IIB cases were included. Each case was classified as IIB with interposition grafts and non-interposition grafts. Clinical and angiographical status were evaluated pre- and postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Angiographic images were analyzed and schematically drawn. Postoperative angiography was used to measure the bypass patency and the presence of postoperative cerebral infarction. Recipient artery occlusion time of each bypass was measured. 14 cases were complex intracranial aneurysms (IAs), 1 case was vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, and 3 cases were intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease (ICAS). 10 patients had incidental discovered IAs, and 7 patients presented with neurological deficits due to ischemia or aneurysmal mass effects. 10 cases were IIB with interposition grafts, including 4 cases of superficial temporal artery (STA) and 6 cases of radial artery graft (RAG) bypass. Eight cases were IIB with non-interposition grafts, including 3 cases of in situ bypass, 1 case of reanastomosis, and 4 cases of reimplantation. The pre- and postoperative mRS were not changed or improved, and all the bypasses were patent. There was no mortality during the mean follow-up period of 50.0 months. Mean occlusion time of recipient artery was 59.5 min. Total 8 patients had postoperative cerebral infarction but almost recovered at the discharge period. With the proper selection of the IIB type, IIB surgery can be a suitable treatment option for some patients with complex IAs and ICAS when extracranial-to-intracranial bypass is not feasible.

The correlation between medial pattern of intracranial arterial calcification and white matter hyperintensities

Background and aimsDespite reported correlations between intracranial arterial calcification (IAC) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), little is known about the relationship between IAC pattern and WMH. By differentiating intimal and medial IAC, we aimed to investigate the relationship between IAC pattern and WMH. MethodsConsecutive acute stroke patients were included. IAC pattern was categorized as intimal or medial on plain brain CT. The number of cerebral arteries involved by IAC for each patient was recorded. IAC severity was defined as focal or diffuse. On brain MRI, the burden of WMH was visually graded and classified as absent mild, moderate and severe. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between IAC and WMH. ResultsAmong 265 patients, intimal IAC was detected in 54.7% patients and medial IAC in 48.5% patients. Diffuse IAC was present in 27.9% patients, all of which were medial. WMH was found in 75.5% patients, including 39.6% patients with mild WMH, 26.0% with moderate WMH, and 9.8% with severe WMH. The severity of medial IAC was correlated with WMH occurrence (p < 0.001). Chi-square linear trend suggested the number of arteries involved by medial IAC (p < 0.001) and the severity of medial IAC (p < 0.001) were correlated with WMH burden. Multiple ordinal logistic regression demonstrated a positive correlation of WMH burden with the number of arteries involved by medial IAC (p < 0.001) and the severity of medial IAC (p < 0.001). ConclusionsMedial IAC was correlated with WMH. The dose-effect relationship between medial IAC and WMH suggests underlying shared mechanisms of intracranial large artery disease and small vessel disease.

Burden of dilated perivascular spaces in patients with moyamoya disease and moyamoya syndrome is related to middle cerebral artery stenosis.

The correlation between intracranial large artery disease and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has become a noteworthy issue. Dilated perivascular spaces (dPVS) are an important marker of CSVD, of which cerebral atrophy has been regarded as one of the pathological mechanisms. DPVS has been found to be associated with vascular stenosis in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to explore the correlation between the middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis and dPVS in the centrum semiovale (CSO-dPVS) in patients with MMD/moyamoya syndrome (MMS) and to determine whether brain atrophy plays a mediating role in this relationship. A total of 177 patients were enrolled in a single-center MMD/MMS cohort. Images of their 354 cerebral hemispheres were divided into three groups according to dPVS burden: mild (dPVS 0-10), moderate (dPVS 11-20), and severe (dPVS > 20). The correlations among cerebral hemisphere volume, MCA stenosis, and CSO-dPVS were analyzed, adjusting for the confounding factors of age, gender, and hypertension. After adjustment for age, gender, and hypertension, the degree of MCA stenosis was independently and positively associated with ipsilateral CSO-dPVS burden (standardized coefficient: β = 0.247, P < 0.001). A stratified analysis found that the subgroup with a severe CSO-dPVS burden exhibited a significantly higher risk of severe stenosis of the MCA [p < 0.001, OR = 6.258, 95% CI (2.347, 16.685)]. No significant correlation between CSO-dPVS and ipsilateral hemisphere volume was found (p = 0.055). In our MMD/MMS cohort, there was a clear correlation between MCA stenosis and CSO-dPVS burden, which may be a direct effect of large vessel stenosis, without a mediating role of brain atrophy.

E.2 Predictors of successful endovascular thrombectomy for M2 occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

Background: There remains lack of data in regards to factors influencing successful endovascular reperfusion of isolated occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In this study, we set out to investigate the variables that affect the successful endovascular reperfusion of isolated M2 segment occlusion. Methods: M2 segment occlusion was defined as isolated clot anywhere within the M2 segment of the MCA. A prediction model of successful endovascular reperfusion defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) score of 2b, 2c and 3 and unsuccessful endovascular reperfusion defined as mTICI score of 0, 1 and 2a was developed from demographics (age, sex) , clinical factors (NIHSS at the time of presentation to hospital), imaging characteristics (ASPECTS, ICA occlusion, presence of Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD), computed tomography perfusion (CTP)-based ischemic core and mismatch volume estimation), and treatment (alteplase/tenecteplase use and periprocedural complications) variables from 64 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) at Kingston Health Science Centre between December 24, 2018 and October 18, 2022. Results: The only statistical significant predictor of successful endovascular reperfusion was CTP-based ischemic core volume (smaller core volume) (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The CTP-based ischemic core volume is the most important predictor of successful endovascular reperfusion for M2 occlusion.

Study of Risk Factors and Outcome Evaluation in Patients with Stroke with Intracranial versus Extracranial Atherosclerotic Arterial Disease (P14-5.020)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To study the differences in risk factors between stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) and extracranial atherosclerosis (ECAS) in the Indian population. <h3>Background:</h3> Stroke is a multi-factorial disease occurs due to the combination of risk-factors. Pathogenic mechanism of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) and extracranial atherosclerosis (ECAS) vary, hence exploring the risk factors of these subtypes is essential for targeting preventive therapy and to influence choice of management. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> 100 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke with clinically significant atherosclerosis in intra-cranial/extra-cranial arteries were compared with respect to their risk factors, presentation, progression and outcomes. <h3>Results:</h3> There were 35 ICAS, 52 ECAS and 13 with both ICAS &amp; ECAS. Mean age of the patients, gender, body mass index was not associated with their stroke type. Medical history of IHD and CKD was more common in patients with ICAS. Median (IQR) NIHSS of our study cohort was 12.97 (4.23) at 3 months. It was significantly higher in ICAS group (median = 16.26) as compared to that in the ECAS group (median = 10.92). Anterior circulation strokes were observed in 78% of patients, more commonly occurring in ECAS stroke group. Median (IQR) mRS score of the study cohort at 3 months was 1 (1.00), four patients died (mRS = 6) three of ICAS and one patients with both ICAS &amp; ECAS. ECAS group had significantly more proportion of patients with favorable mRS as compared to ICAS group. After adjusting for all possible confounders, only increasing NIHSS at admission was significantly associated with poor outcomes at 3 months. Stroke type did not significantly affect the the clinical outcome at 3 months. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Although ICAS and ECAS shared similar risk factors, differences still existed between them as far as clinical outcomes are concerned. With higher NIHSS at admission, ICAS patients are at an increased risk for poor clinical outcome. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ponda has nothing to disclose.

Abstract TMP62: High Levels Of Ldl Cholesterol And Hb A1c Hindering Mitigation Of Intracranial Arterial Diseases After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) may have dynamic temporal changes which high-resolution MR (HR-MR) images can visualize. Until now, there is only limited evidence on the risk factor for the evolution of ICAD after ischemic stroke. Method: We have collected acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to a single referral stroke center between 01/2015 and 06/2019 with baseline and follow-up HR-MR images on their ICAD lesions. A total of 246 patients were identified, and for the current pilot study, HR-MR images from 93 patients were used. Degree of stenosis on T1/gadolinium-enhanced (Gd) T1 sequences, remodeling index on proton-density sequence, and enhancement signal on Gd-T1 sequence were measured. Temporal changes were defined as (1-([parameters at the initial]/[parameters at the follow-up])*100. The temporal changes of image parameters were compared by bivariate baseline blood risk factors, such as LDLC ( ≥ 100 vs. &lt;100 mg/dL) and HbA1c ( ≥ 6.5 vs. &lt;6.5%). Result: A total of 93 patients were analyzed for the pilot study. Temporal changes in the degree of stenosis, remodeling index, and enhancement signal of ICAD lesion were -19.6 ± 50.3%, 2.9 ± 45.6%, and -15.0 ± 31.6%, respectively. ICAD parameters were further mitigated in lower levels of selected markers, such as the degree of stenosis (-24.9±37.6% from lower vs. -16.0±57.5% from higher LDLC, P =0.37; -23.0±54.9% from lower Hb A1c vs. -9.3±32.3% from higher Hb A1c, P =0.16) and the enhancement signal (-18.0±29.1% from lower vs. -12.9±33.2% from higher LDLC, P=0.45; -17.1±32.2% from lower Hb A1c vs. -6.5±28.4% from higher Hb A1c, P=0.17). Linear associations between change in the enhancement signal and LDLC in higher LDLC (B=0.38, P=0.01) and degree of stenosis and Hb A1c in higher Hb A1c (B=0.49, P=0.02) were observed. Conclusion: ICAD lesions in acute ischemic stroke patients may have temporal appearance changes. Baseline LDLC and Hb A1c levels may be used as a marker for the evolution of ICAD.

Increased abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus in gut microbiota is associated with moyamoya disease and non-moyamoya intracranial large artery disease

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease endemic in East Asia. The p.R4810K mutation in RNF213 gene confers a risk of MMD, but other factors remain largely unknown. We tested the association of gut microbiota with MMD. Fecal samples were collected from 27 patients with MMD, 7 patients with non-moyamoya intracranial large artery disease (ICAD) and 15 control individuals with other disorders, and 16S rRNA were sequenced. Although there was no difference in alpha diversity or beta diversity between patients with MMD and controls, the cladogram showed Streptococcaceae was enriched in patient samples. The relative abundance analysis demonstrated that 23 species were differentially abundant between patients with MMD and controls. Among them, increased abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus > 0.003 and decreased abundance of Roseburia inulinivorans < 0.002 were associated with higher risks of MMD (odds ratio 9.6, P = 0.0024; odds ratio 11.1, P = 0.0051). Also, Ruminococcus gnavus was more abundant and Roseburia inulinivorans was less abundant in patients with ICAD than controls (P = 0.046, P = 0.012). The relative abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus or Roseburia inulinivorans was not different between the p.R4810K mutant and wildtype. Our data demonstrated that gut microbiota was associated with both MMD and ICAD.

Posterior circulation stroke due to intracranial artery disease in the Chinese population.

BackgroundLittle is known about the distribution of the intracranial arteries that are responsible for noncardiogenic posterior circulation stroke (PCS) in the Chinese population. Furthermore, few studies have compared the imaging manifestations and outcomes across PCS due to the disease of different intracranial arteries. Therefore, our aim was to demonstrate the distribution of the intracranial arteries that were responsible for noncardiogenic PCS and to compare the imaging manifestations and outcome across PCS due to the disease of different intracranial arteries.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 690 patients from 22 Chinese centers with noncardiogenic PCS due to intracranial artery disease. Intracranial artery disease was classified as intracranial vertebral artery disease (IVAD) and intracranial nonvertebral artery disease (INVAD). Clinical‐radiologic patterns and outcomes were compared between IVAD and INVAD.ResultsINVAD was more frequent than IVAD. Compared to the INVAD group, the IVAD group more frequently had hypertension, coronary heart disease, multiple infarcts, border zone infarcts, territorial infarcts, small cortical infarcts, multilevel infarcts, multisector infarcts, and more often had severe stenosis of the responsible artery, more often presented with decreased alertness, gaze palsy, bilateral limb weakness, ataxia, dysphagia, diplopia, vertigo, and headache. In addition, the IVAD group had a higher National Institutes of Health stroke scale score and modified Rankin Scale score at discharge and more deaths and recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular disease within 1 year of onset. Multivariable Cox regression identified IVAD as an independent predictor of recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular disease.ConclusionsPCS due to INVAD was more common in the Chinese population. However, PCS due to IVAD had more serious clinical‐radiologic patterns and worse outcomes.

Carotid Siphon Calcification Predicts the Symptomatic Progression in Branch Artery Disease With Intracranial Artery Stenosis-Brief Report.

Background:Arterial calcification in the aortic arch, carotid bifurcation, or siphon on computed tomography was associated with cardiovascular disease. The association between arterial calcification prevalence and progression of branch atheromatous disease (BAD) in intracranial artery atherosclerosis was little investigated.Methods:This study included 310 patients with ischemic stroke from one stroke center. Patients were divided into BAD (110) and non-BAD groups (200). Baseline characteristics, lipids, and arterial calcification were measured. The primary outcome was the prevalence of arterial calcification in BAD progression, and the secondary outcome was the prevalence of calcification in arterial stenosis. The association or correlation among calcification prevalence, lipid markers, and BAD progression was analyzed using logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve, and linear regression.Results:Our study found that carotid siphon calcification on computed angiography was more prevalent (P=0.01) in patients with BAD and also more prevalent (P<0.001) in intracranial artery stenosis, and its computed tomography values could independently predict the symptomatic progression (P=0.01). Furthermore, a strong linear correlation between oxidized lipid and calcification density was found (beta=−0.73, P=0.0048) in patients with BAD, a subtype (B-type) of intracranial arterial atherosclerotic disease.Conclusions:We found that carotid siphon calcification was associated with BAD and its computed tomography values could predict the symptomatic progression in patients with intracranial arterial atherosclerotic disease and BAD, indicating the important role of carotid calcification in B-type intracranial arterial atherosclerotic disease.Registration:URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800018315

Moyamoya Disease in an Adult Female: A Case Report

Moyamoya is a progressive vasoocclusive disease of large intracranial arteries with characteristic collaterals formation. It has a bimodal distribution and more frequent in females compared to males. We present a case of 20 years female who presented with a loss of consciousness following headache. She was investigated with a head CT scan. And digital subtraction angiography which led to a diagnosis of Moyamoya disease. She was treated conservatively and scheduled for follow-up. Although ischemic attacks are the common presenting symptoms in cases of Moyamoya disease, hemorrhagic forms are seen too especially among adults compared to children. Identifying Moyamoya disease can significantly affect the treatment options and give insight into managing the chronic nature of the disease to both the physicians and patients. This case highlights the importance of searching for underlying cause in a young female presenting with intracranial haemorrhage for the first time and keeping Moyamoya disease as a differential.